New Regulations for Death Certification: What You Need to Know from Wolverhampton Funeral Directors

Hughes Funeral Directors in Wolverhampton is committed to providing comprehensive funeral services. As part of our commitment to excellence, we want to keep you informed about the latest changes in the death certification process.

Key Changes to Death Certification in England and Wales

Starting September 9th, 2024, there will be significant changes to the way deaths are certified in England and Wales. These reforms aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the process.

Introduction of Statutory Medical Examiners Previously, the coroner or a medical practitioner would review the cause of death. Now, a statutory medical examiner will be required to independently scrutinise all deaths. This includes cases where a coroner's investigation is not necessary.

Revised Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) The MCCD will be updated to include more detailed information, such as the medical examiner's involvement and additional details about the deceased. This will help improve mortality data.

Impact on the Registration Process The new process may lead to slightly longer wait times for death registration, especially in the initial months as the system adjusts. Once the MCCD is sent to the registrar, the deceased's representative will be notified and can proceed with registration.

Changes for Cremation Previously, a medical referee would conduct a review before a cremation. This role will now be transferred to the medical examiner, streamlining the process.

Why These Changes Matter These reforms are designed to ensure that all deaths are reviewed by a qualified medical professional. This will improve the accuracy of death certificates and may also lead to more efficient coroner investigations.

Trust Hughes Funeral Directors

At Hughes Funeral Directors in Wolverhampton, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional funeral services. If you have questions about the new death certification process or need assistance with funeral arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you during this difficult time.